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Toney.
"...We'll walk together soon,
I'm sure
When snow gives way to budding leaves,
And birds begin to sing.
The gentle breeze shall call your name
along the waters edge.
For what we shared and what you meant
shall never be forgot,
Your friendship spans
the years behind
Your memory ahead.
You'll always be there next to me,
companion and good friend."
by Anthony D'Agnese
You were the first and the best. My first teacher and my very best friend. Time passes and the world
moves on but your tree still stands and new generations of squirrels frolic among the leaves and branches. I can never see
a squirrel that I don't think of your endless quest to catch one and how many times you came so close. You were the only tree-climbing
dog I ever knew and I still laugh when I think of you flying up that huge, old oak tree. Your time with me was too short but
during those fleeting years you taught me so much, Toney and the most important lesson was the most difficult one
to bear...how to say goodbye. You were there for 18 years and the place where you walked, at my side, is empty
yet and waiting for you. Your home in my heart is yours and will be forever. Toney... You were and will always
be The Mayor. First. Last. Always. I miss you and I love you best in all the world. And
Toney, I remember all you taught me. Forever.
Toney - October 1, 1958 - Winter, 1977. Always First.
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| The second of only two known pictures of my dearest Toney. Taken next to 'his' Oak tree. |
"...Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears.
But laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so....
'twas Heaven here with you."
by Isla Paschal Richardson
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| This is how I will see Amber, Kelly, Toney and all the others who may run ahead and wait. |
For each thorn, there's a rosebud...
For each twilight - a dawn...
For each trial-the strength to carry on,
For each stormcloud - a rainbow...
For each shadow - the sun...
For each parting - sweet memories
When sorrow is done.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
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| Kelly as I remember her best - always at my side. Summer 1986 |
For Kelly
"Walk Slowly by Adelaide Love
If you should go before me, dear, walk slowly
Down the ways of Death, well-worn and wide,
For I should want to overtake you quickly
And seek the Journey's ending by your side.
I would be so forlorn not to descry you
Down some shining high road when I came;
Walk slowly, dear, and often look behind you
And pause to hear if someone calls your name."
How many babies took their first, stumbling steps into the world holding on to your
neck? So many we lost count long ago. You walked slowly and oh, so patiently, for them.
How many people lived in a dark and lonely world until you brought the light of your love
to their empty existence? Again, more than we could count. You gave so much to so many.
But it was to me that you gave your greatest gift. You gave me your complete and unquestioning
love and devotion. Kelly, you have been my dearest friend, partner and teacher for so long...and
now
you have taken that final walk without me. Walk slowly,
my Kelly, and stop every so often to listen. For one day
I will surely call your name.
You are, and always will be, the best there could be. Bob,
Lauren, Chrissy, Fred, the daycare children and all of your ladies at the Mount love
you. Your absence has left a hole in our hearts. And Kelly, as always, Mama loves you best in
all the world. Forever.
Kelly...friend, partner, teacher and therapy dog extraordinaire. Loved and
missed by Gloria Dittmann and the entire Dittmann family. She fought for so long and so valiantly.
Now it is time for her to rest.
Dittmanns' Dawn Delight, CGC TDI
July 3, 1985 - January 20, 1996.
Irreplaceable.
Look for the rainbow
That gracious thing,
Made up of tears and light.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Amber - DawnGlo She's Forever Amber, CGC TDI
She always watched over and cared for anything small and helpless.
"I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day.
In everything that's bright and gay,
I'll always think of you that way.
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is through
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you."
by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal
You were our Protector of Hearth and Home. Once you loved, you loved forever. The children were always safe when
you were on guard and your patience with them was endless. I will always remember the countless hours you spent watching the
babies in the yard, making sure none wandered too far. You were always happiest here at home and although you tried to enjoy
yourself, trips were hard for you and when we got home your joy at being HOME again was palpable. When you were on guard none
could trespass here yet you were gentleness itself with anything smaller than yourself. You were the best, Amber....and now
you are with Kelly once more and I miss your gentle wisdom and steady gaze. When the winds howl around the eaves of the house
I fancy I can feel your noble head on my lap one more time and feel the gentle lap of your tongue on my hand. We were blessed
with your love for 13 years and you are deeply missed and forever loved by all who were lucky enough to know you. And
as always, Mama loves you best in all the world. Forever.
Amber - March 5, 1989 - January 2, 2002. Devotion.
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"Farewell Master, Yet not farewell
For where I go, ye too shall dwell
Though I be gone from ye face
A moment's time, a little space
When ye come where I have stepped
Ye will wonder why ye wept."
Unknown
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| Cerri. Your loss will hurt my heart forever. |
Cerri. I have no poem for you. My pain at your loss goes too deep for words. You were taken from us too soon
and the pain will be with me always. Chase the flutterbyes at the Bridge while you wait for us and, as always, Momma loves
you best in all the world. Sleep now, my pretty Cerri.
Cerridwen. March 1969 - July 4, 1979. Always in my heart.
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| Pyewacket and Tiki. 1981. I will always miss my beautiful Bluepoint friends. |
For Pye and Tik
"Your favorite chair is vacant now
No eager purrs to greet me,
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it time for feeding.
I've put away your bowls
And all the things you won't be needing.
But I will always miss you, little friends,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought to me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow,
I'm sure there will be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow.
Author Unknown.
Pye and Tik, you gave us so much love and pleasure for the time you were allotted to be with us. All of us -
Mommy, Daddy, Bob, Lauren and Chrissy - miss you so much and we know that one day we will see you again, at Rainbow Bridge
where you are, I am sure, whapping Amber upside her head just to remind her how a dignified kitty is suppose to be treated.
Wait for us, my dearest friends, for one day we shall surely meet again.
Pyewacket and Tiki - timeless love and devotion.
Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait til the darkness is over,
Wait til the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.
-Alice Hawthorne
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